Welcome to the Department of Classics at Leeds!

The Department of Classics is a close-knit community of 11 academic and two secretarial staff, dedicated to providing our undergraduates and postgraduates with the very best student experience!

Classics is the study of all aspects of the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome – not just the history and literature, but diverse subjects such as religion, philosophy, mythology, art and architecture, and the reception of the classical world in modern times. Because of its diversity, a degree in Classics represents the very best type of general training available.

Employers look for people who can think, speak and write clearly, who are good at structuring and presenting information, who can argue effectively, and who are able to maintain a sense of balance and a breadth of view. Former Classics students at Leeds have found success in a wide range of different professions, including law, management, sales and marketing, advertising, the media and publishing, the civil service, local government, GCHQ, the armed forces, as well as teaching. Click here for profiles from our former students

Classics at Leeds: A Distinct Opportunity

Our enthusiastic lecturers are often leading scholars in their field and publish their research regularly. This research feeds directly into our teaching, such that we can provide you with one of the largest and most exciting range of Classical study options in the UK.

Click here for details about our teaching

We also offer:

☺A lively and vibrant Classical Society run by our students

☺Opportunities to study a year abroad in Greece or Italy

☺An excellent Personal Tutoring system to provide you with individual support

Scenes from the Personal Tutor Award Ceremony, June 2008, organised by the Leeds University Union. Three Lecturers from Classics received awards (Dr. Belcher, Dr. Pender and Dr. Stafford, Dr. Stafford receiving special commendation) and, more generally, the School of Humanities won an award in recognition of the high level of pastoral support its lecturers offer their students. 

(Left) Dr. Pender receives her award;  (Right) Lecturers from the School of Humanities proudly display their winnings.

What our Students say ...

“my lecturers take a personal interest in our work and they take time to explain things properly”
(Classics student at Leeds, quoted from The Times Higher Educational Supplement, 17.3.2006)

"The lecturers and office staff are really helpful, friendly and approachable, and there are so many opportunities here! I have been able to get involved in working in the Classics library (great for your CV!) and also the Classics Society. As it’s a small and very sociable Department, it’s easy to get to know other students in all years studying Classics."

“As a first year student, I was made to feel welcome: all the staff are approachable and willing to help. I hope all new students will have as magical a time studying Classics as I have so far.”

“It hasn’t mattered that I’d never studied Classics before starting Uni; it has turned out to be the most fun and interesting subject I’ve ever studied.”

“It has been beneficial to study the languages (Latin and Ancient Greek) even at beginners’ level, because it greatly helps your understanding of the ancient world. Also, as the classes are small, it is a great chance to get to know fellow students really well.”

The National Student Survey 2008

In the NSS 2008, our Department was ranked 3rd of all UK Classics Departments for the success of its graduates in gaining graduate jobs after six months of leaving Leeds!

• If you'd like to know more about the Department and the University of Leeds, why not visit us on one of our open days